Entitled dog owner asks ex to watch her dog while she visits hometown, he finds out it’s a vacation, sparking jealousy and mixed feelings: ‘You should probably find someone else’

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Aug 10, 2025 2:00 PM EDT

Hey there, fellow dog owners, cat lovers, and general pet enthusiasts. Having a pet gives us an edge in our step, a difference to our day, and a feeling of security. Everyone knows the infamous phrase about dogs being man's best friend, and we say it for a reason. The connection between you and your dog is unlike other relationships. It surpasses the need to speak, and communication becomes tacit. There's beauty in going on a walk together, a magic in snuggling before bed, or waking up to their dew-drop eyes gazing at you for morning pets. Dogs are teeming with human-like emotions in the most jarring ways. I had a golden retriever years ago, and although Brody was technically my ex's dog, he really preferred me. Going on hikes meant I had a companion who could meet me at my speed and strength, someone to see the views with, and someone to smile at me when I was feeling discouraged to continue to climb. 

Though we know the joys they give us, they're also a huge inconvenience. Every errand, trip, or work day is planned around our furry friend, and we just do it unconsciously. Read the full story below for all the details. 

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  • 01

    AITAH for Refusing to Watch My Ex's Pets While She Goes on a Vacation?

    Woman kissing golden retriever on the head.
    via evablancophotos / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    Like the title says, my ex asked if I'd watch her dog and cats while she went on a vacation.
    via u/ADHD33zNuts

  • Pets are lovable, but they’re also chaos on four legs. Hair on every surface, muddy paw prints on clean floors, and mysterious stains you discover too late. They demand attention at the worst times, steal your snacks, and cost a small fortune. We somehow still manage to forgive them. 

  • 03
    We were together for over 5 years, broke up 3 months ago, and have been living separately for a month.
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 04
    We still talk and might be trying to work things out. We had a fairly amicable breakup. She initiated it and I wasn't going to force a relationship.
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 05
    Anyway, she asked me if I could watch her dog for a few days if she went to her hometown. She also offered to pay. I told her I would do
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 06
    it for free as long as it didn't span over a weekend because I'm trying
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 07
    to go backpacking and paddleboarding as much as I can this summer.
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 08
    She then asks if I would still watch the dog if she went to somewhere else for a vacation. This provoked some jealousy and resentment for
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 09
    some reason. I told her that she should probably find someone else but I would be willing to do it for
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 10
    $90 a day and with the same restrictions on which days I could do it.
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 11
    So AITAH for willing to take care of her animals only if it's a trip to see friends and family vs an actual vacation?
    via u/ADHD33zNuts
  • 12
    Smiling golden retriever.
    via Angela Guthrie from Getty Images / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 13
    Present-Reflection84 She broke up with you and is using the "maybe we can work it out and get back together
    via u/Present-Reflection84
  • 14
    later" card to trick you into being her errand boy. She chose to be your ex, you owe her nothing. NTA
    via u/Present-Reflection84
  • 15
    Celestina_Girlie You guys should probably let the dust settle and some time go by before you both are cool doing favors for each other...
    via u/Celestina_Girlie
  • 16
    Im_Talking Sorry, but you have to grow a spine. She dumped you. That should be no-contact forever.
    via u/Im_Talking
  • 17
    Why do you want to get back with someone that dumped you? Do you realise that the jealousy and resentment is because she is still in your life?
    via u/Im_Talking
  • 18
    Hands holding.
    via ppnmm from Getty Images Pro / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 19
    So why did she breakup?
    via u/Im_Talking
  • 20
    Snackinpenguin Your ex has a few things going on. She wants to feel free and easy to find herself without
    via u/Snackinpenguin
  • 21
    the baggage of a partner and having to take pets with her. But she's also using this as a
    via u/Snackinpenguin
  • 22
    test on how willing you are to do things for her as a renewed life partner.
    via u/Snackinpenguin
  • 23
    You're feeling used and hurt, but you mentioning money is making her think you're monetizing the relationship,
    via u/Snackinpenguin
  • 24
    and is that something she wants long term when it's this for tat.
    via u/Snackinpenguin

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dogs drama pets relationships lol exes love reddit thread Reddit funny animals dating vacation
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